Pondeljak ready to step up for Socceroos

[TOPGUNJIMMYAUFC]

17:38 AEST Tue Mar 3 2009


At 33 years of age, Tom Pondeljak could be forgiven for thinking his career was winding down.

Instead, it's full speed ahead for the veteran midfielder, who is on a dream run he hopes will last for years to come.

Pondeljak scored the match-winning goal in Melbourne's A-League grand final triumph on Saturday and capped a remarkable night by also taking out the Joe Marston Medal for player of the game.

If things weren't sweet enough, Pondeljak then joined the Socceroos camp in Canberra on Tuesday ahead of Thursday night's Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait, where he will again be in line to start as he did against Indonesia in January.

Pondeljak is no stranger to success, having won National Soccer League titles with Melbourne Knights, Olympic Sharks and Perth Glory, and reaching two A-League grand finals with Central Coast.

But the midfielder said he was enjoying his career more than ever since joining the Victory at the start of the season.

"The last year or so has been tremendous for me," Pondeljak said.

"The things we've done with the Victory this year have been fantastic.

"I've been quite happy with my form and, at this age, to be playing like that and still winning grand finals and scoring goals and being involved with the Socceroos is always a privilege.

"I'm honoured to be in the position I am at the moment and I'm just going to ride it for as long as it lasts."

Pondeljak has one year left on his deal with the Victory but hopes he can extend his playing career even longer.

"(Representing Australia) just makes me hungrier to be honest," Pondeljak said.

"I'll be kicking around as long as I can and as long as I feel fit enough.

[the_gun]

almost...

[Bomber]

Must still have hangover.